It has also been subject to sustained criticism about the privacy implications of retaining and linking the sensitive data.

In response to the community backlash, Turnbull today fronted media in an attempt to assure citizens their personal details would be safe from theft or misuse.

The PM argued the details collected as part of the Census are protected by "law and practice" and said the ABS had a track record of "always protecting people's privacy".

Similarly, Treasurer Scott Morrison said the ABS had an "unblemished record" on data security.

Australian statistician David Kalisch defended the ABS' approach to privacy and security, and said the agency had never had a breach with Census information.

He reiterated that names and addresses would be kept in separate databases to other Census information and "never brought together".

Kalisch did not directly respond to criticisms about the ABS' handling of the public's concerns, saying only that such concerns are raised with every Census.

But several MPs have taken issue about the change in approach, with independent Nick Xenophon going as far as to call for the Census to be delayed.

He said his office had received numerous complaints from those concerned about their privacy and data, and from others who were struggling to access the online form.

Fellow independent Andrew Wilkie also spoke of a "broad feeling of confusion in the community" about the sudden change in policy, and criticised the government for not adequately dealing with citizens' concerns.

"Despite the collection of names in previous censuses the logic for this has not been communicated to the public, if indeed there is any logic at all," he said in a statement.

"Nor has any explanation been given for why the ABS holding this information for much longer than normal is warranted."

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